Paul Murray, O.P., is an Irish Dominican, a poet, and a professor in Rome at the University of St. Thomas, the "Angelicum." He is the author of several books that have been published in Ireland, England and the United States including In the Grip of Light: The Dark and Bright Journey of Christian Contemplation and Scars: Essays, Poems and Meditations on Affliction; and four collections of poetry. He lives in Rome and is well known as a speaker throughout the United States.